Wave Characteristic Notes 10 16 18 Waves Waves

Waves �Waves are created when a source of energy (force) causes a vibration. �Vibration:

How Waves Travel �There are two ways a wave can travel: �Through a medium.

Types of Waves �There are TWO types of waves �Electormagnetic � Waves that can

How Mechanical Waves Move �Compressional Waves: �The particles in the medium vibrate by pushing

How Mechanical Waves Move �Transverse Waves: �The particles in the medium vibrate by moving

Frequency �A measure of how many waves pass a point in a certain amount

Amplitude �A measure of the distance between a line through the middle of a

Amplitude �The greater the forces that produces a wave, the greater the amplitude of

Wavelength �A measure of the distance from the crest on one wave to the

Wavelength �Wavelength is influenced by frequency. �Higher frequency causes shorter wavelengths �Less frequency causes

Wave Speed = Distance / Time Wave Speed = Wavelength * Frequency V=λ*f

Wave Speed �A measure of the distance a wave travels in an amount of

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Wave Characteristic Notes 10 -16 -18

Waves �Waves are created when a source of energy (force) causes a vibration. �Vibration: a repeated back and forth or up and down motion.

How Waves Travel �There are two ways a wave can travel: �Through a medium. � Medium: material through which waves can travel; a solid, liquid, or gas � The particles of the medium do not move along with the wave they vibrate. � ALL waves can travel through a medium. �Through empty space. � ONLY electromagnetic waves.

Types of Waves �There are TWO types of waves �Electormagnetic � Waves that can travel through matter or empty space where matter is not present. � They make up the Electromagnetic Spectrum �Mechanical � Require particles of the medium to vibrate in order for energy to be transferred � There are 2 types: Compressional and Transverse

How Mechanical Waves Move �Compressional Waves: �The particles in the medium vibrate by pushing together and moving apart parallel to the direction in which the wave travels. �The place where it is pushed together is a COMPRESSION. �The place it is spread apart is a RAREFACTION.

How Mechanical Waves Move �Transverse Waves: �The particles in the medium vibrate by moving back and forth and perpendicular to the direction the wave travels. �The highest point of the wave is called a CREST. �The lowest point of the wave is called a TROUGH.

Frequency �A measure of how many waves pass a point in a certain amount of time

Amplitude �A measure of the distance between a line through the middle of a wave

Amplitude �The greater the forces that produces a wave, the greater the amplitude of the wave and the greater the energy the wave has. �Sounds with greater amplitude will be louder. �Light with greater amplitude will be brighter.

Wavelength �A measure of the distance from the crest on one wave to the crest on the very next wave.

Wavelength �Wavelength is influenced by frequency. �Higher frequency causes shorter wavelengths �Less frequency causes longer wavelengths

Wave Speed = Distance / Time Wave Speed = Wavelength * Frequency V=λ*f

Wave Speed �A measure of the distance a wave travels in an amount of time �Determined by the type of wave and the nature of the medium. �Waves change speed when they change mediums.